Are you struggling with hair loss and searching for an effective treatment option? Oral Minoxidil has become a popular solution for people facing hair thinning or hair loss. While Minoxidil is commonly known in its topical form (often sold as Rogaine), oral Minoxidil offers a promising alternative that’s gaining recognition in dermatology for its effectiveness.
In this article, we’ll explore what oral Minoxidil is, how it works, and if it could be the right treatment for your hair loss needs.
Minoxidil is a drug originally used to treat high blood pressure. However, it has a surprising side effect: hair growth. When taken in low doses, Minoxidil has shown effectiveness in promoting hair growth in both men and women.
The use of topical minoxidil is the only approved treatment for female pattern hair loss, in other words, female baldness. It is also one of the only 2 approved treatments for male baldness.
Clinicians also use it in other hair disorders such as in alopecia areata, in traction alopecia and others. Topical minoxidil is available in 2% and 5%, both as a lotion and foam.
Oral minoxidil is only approved for high blood pressure but has been used off-label in some hair disorders too over the last few years. This option can be particularly helpful for people who have not responded well to topical Minoxidil or who prefer an oral treatment for their hair loss concerns.
In several cases, people may find that the use of topical versions can make their hair greasy, fuzzy and it is not uncommon to develop irritation of the scalp along with associated itching and a burning sensation. There are also reports of patients who become allergic to it.
As a result, they stop using this topical treatment and try to find other options to stop hair loss and improve the appearance of their hair. Oral minoxidil can be used instead when topical minoxidil cannot be used for all the above reasons.
It’s essential to consult with a dermatologist to determine if oral Minoxidil is the right option for you, as they can assess your hair loss type, overall health, and potential for side effects.
For many, topical Minoxidil remains a suitable option with fewer systemic effects, especially if the person has minor hair thinning and is new to hair loss treatments.
Nowadays, there have been several studies around the world to support that if oral minoxidil is used in a very low dose in both female or male baldness, it is an efficient and safe treatment; and many hair experts have started prescribing it to their patients.
The doses we use for hair loss are low and overall, it is considered to be a safe treatment.
Oral minoxidil should not be used during pregnancy or in women trying to conceive. People with cardiovascular diseases should avoid it.
Moreover, people with heart problems such as heart failure, angina, or recent heart attack, or patient with phaeochromocytoma, significant kidney problems, or acute porphyria may not be suitable for this type of treatment.
There are many other off-license treatment options available for baldness and based on each individual’s severity of the condition, other medical issues, as well as considering many other factors, every hair expert proposes the best options for every patient.
This medication is taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Follow hair loss expert instructions carefully before you take it. It may take several months before you get the full benefit of this drug and it requires monitoring by your dermatologist.
If you don’t like applying the lotion or the foam once or twice a day, if every time you use it makes your scalp itchy, if you are fed up using it, or even if you think that it does not work, then oral minoxidil might be a suitable treatment for you.
Oral minoxidil is well tolerated by most people without any side effects. Occasionally, your heart may feel like it is beating faster than usual. If this is a concern, please speak to your doctor as your treatment may need to be stopped.
It may affect your blood count or cause a skin reaction in very rare circumstances.
It is also possible that your feet may swell slightly, and you may gain some weight. this tends to settle down after two to three months but if there is excessive swelling, please speak to your doctor.
If you develop chest pain, breathing difficulties or fainting episodes, stop your treatment immediately and go to your nearest A&E department for immediate review as rarely it can cause the collection of fluid and inflammation around the heart.
Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medications:
Oral Minoxidil is an effective, convenient option for many people experiencing hair loss. If you’re looking for a powerful treatment to combat hair thinning, speak with your dermatologist about whether oral Minoxidil could be part of your personalized treatment plan. Remember, while it can be highly effective, it’s essential to use it under medical supervision to ensure safe and optimal results.
If you would like to discuss this treatment option further, or you want to see what other treatments are available, book a consultation with Dr. Anastasia Therianou, an expert in hair disorders, by phone: 02038695134 or 02034684884 or by sending an email to info@drtherianou.com
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